Tbilisi

Depicts the Jews in Georgia from earliest historic times to the present day. Rabbi David Baazov (1883-1947) was sent to Siberia during Stalin's purges, and his son was shot, but he survived to return to Tbilisi. The museum collection became a diaspora (notably to Rochester, Minnesota) but has been repatriated.

Part of Georgian National Museum. Home of distinguished painter Ucha Japaridze (1906-1988).

Part of the Georgian National Museum. Showcases the work of painter Elene Akhvlediani (1898-1975).

In a strip of garden in the middle of a busy road, there are several carriages and wine making tools in exhibit.

Beautiful mansion and a focal point of Georgian literature. The house was built by David Sarajishvili, an entrepreneur, between 1903-1905, by a German architect, Karl Zaar, and combines art nouveau with neobaroque style elements. The terrace mosaic is made from tiles by Villeroy and Boch. The Writer's House was a location in which major figures of Georgian literature, such as the Blue Horns group, met in the early 1920s. Paolo Iashvili committed suicide at the Writer's House on July 22, 1937. The Writer's House of Georgia has a museum dedicated to Sarajishvili and a Museum of Repressed Writers exhibit featuring the story of how writers were persecuted. In the summer months, a cafe/restaurant operates in the garden.

Constructed in 1859–1871, domed in 1879.

Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world. Sameba is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones. The Sameba Cathedral was erected on the Elia Hill, which rises above the left bank of the Kura River (Mtkvari) in the historic neighborhood of Avlabari in Old Tbilisi on the grounds of what was once a park, and before that the largest Armenian cemetery in Tbilisi, a tiny portion of that cemetery now forms the Armenian Pantheon. Designed in a traditional Georgian style but with an exaggerated vertical emphasis, and regarded as an eyesore by many and venerated by as many others, the Sameba Cathedral has a cruciform plan with a dome over a crossing which rests on eight columns. At the same time, the parameters of the dome are independent from the apses, imparting a more monumental look to the dome and the church in general. The dome is surmounted by a 7.5-m-tall cross covered with gold. The cathedral consists of nine chapels (chapels of the Archangels, John the Baptist, Saint Nino, Saint George, Saint Nicholas, the Twelve Apostles, and All Saints); five of them are situated in a large, underground compartment. The overall area of the cathedral, including its large narthex, is 0.5 ha and the volume it occupies is 137 m³. The interior of the church measures 56 m × 44 m, with an interior area of 2,380 m². The height of the cathedral from the ground to the top of the cross is 105.5 m. The underground chapel occupies 35,550 m³. The height is 13 m. Natural materials are used for construction. The floor is made of marble tiles and the altar will also be decorated with mosaic. The painting of the murals is being executed by a group of artists guided by Amiran Goglidze. The Sameba complex consists of the main cathedral church, a free-standing bell-tower, the residence of the Patriarch, a monastery, a clerical seminary and theological academy, several workshops, places for rest, etc.

Goes back to the reign of St. Demeritus II. late 13th century. Rebuilt 17th century. Unusual in design.

The church was built, which starts from the 13th century. The church is an example of eclectic architecture and has been built with pseudo-gothic and Baroco elements. The interior is decorated with thematic vitrages. Height: 23 m.

Constructed began at the time of king Dachi Ujarmeli in the 6th century. This is the oldest church in town. Anchiskhati Basilica is a three-span basilica, divided by two abutments forming horseshoe shaped conches, which indicates the antiquity of its construction. Originally constructed of blocks of yellow tuff stone, the 1958–1964 restoration made extensive use of brick. The structure has entrances on three sides, but today only the western entrance is in use. Aside from the altarpiece, which was painted in 1683 by order of Catholicos Nikoloz Amilakhvari, all of the remaining paintings in the church date from the 19th century.

A copy of 11th-century Samtavisi church. The Kashveti church was constructed between 1904 and 1910 by the architect L. Bilfeldt, who based his design on the medieval Samtavisi Cathedral. The construction was sponsored by the Georgian nobility and bourgeoisie. Kashveti was built on the site of a damaged church built of brick at the request of the Amilakhvari family in 1753. Significant contributions to the current church’s ornate design were made by N. Agladze. Kashveti’s frescoes were painted by the influential Georgian painter, Lado Gudiashvili, in 1947. The name "Kashveti" is derived from Georgian words kva for a "stone" and shva "to give birth." Legend has it the prominent 6th-century monk David of Gareja of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers was accused by a woman of making her a pregnant in Tbilisi. David prophesied his denial would be proved when she gave birth to a stone. She did, and the place received the name of "kashveti."

Functioning synagogue constructed in 1910. Women and men are seated separately.

Turkish Sunni mosque, along the road from the Botanical Gardens to the Sulphur Baths. The usual dress code and entry restrictions for non-Muslims apply.

Built in 1251 AD, and seat of the Armenian Archbishop of Georgia. Tomb of the famous Caucasian bard Sayat-Nova is in front of the church.

Boarded up Armenian Church, used as a library in Soviet times. It was built in 1487, with a lot of new work in the mid-1600s.

Built in 1805, and later renovated.

This beautiful, tall belltower, hidden behind modern buildings near Carrefour is all that remains of the 14th century Vank Armenian Monastery, which had the largest church in Tbilisi until 1938 when it was torn down by the government. Somehow the belltower survived and pops up above the residential buildings at 3 Atoneli Street.

An impressive memorial with a great view across Tbilisi and its lake. Also, a mesmerising walk through some past architecture. It consists of several giant statues and 16 30- to 35-m-tall columns at the top and a portrait of the life of Christ at the bottom part. There is also a chapel and a St. Nino cross. It was designed by Zurab Tsereteli in 1985 but was never fully finished. A hidden gem that many who have been here recommend seeing.

A 20-metre aluminium figure of a woman in Georgian national dress, ready to meet enemies or friends, she has a knife in one hand and a bowl of wine in the other. Erected on the Sololaki hill in 1958, Tbilisi's 1,500th birthday and designed by Elguja Amashukeli.

Many famous writers, and the mother of Joseph Stalin, are buried here.

Perhaps one of the most distinctive pleasures of walking through the Old City, with its old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding streets, and charming shops. Be prepared to see a number of eclectic sights, from the abandoned streetcar near Erekle Street to the art galleries of Chardini Street to the stunning modern art lining Sioni Street. Sub-neighborhoods include Sololaki, with its elegant restaurants and art nouveau architecture, Old Tbilisi proper — with sites ranging from churches to mosques to sulfur baths, Betlemi — housing two of the city's oldest churches and the stunning vistas of the Narikala Fortress — and Mtsasminda, just up the mountain from Rustaveli Avenues, a more sedate, "livable" district filled with charming old houses and a number of families. A large section has been refurbished turning parts into a sterile, tourist-trade and therefore purely overly consumption attuned quarter. Bars and restaurants largely overpriced. Even Segway rental is available — given the state of Tbilisi pavements, a ridiculous proposition.

This is one of Tbilisi's posher districts, home to many immigrants and nouveaux riches. While not quite as atmospheric as Old Tbilisi, Vake is home to some lovely parks, pleasant nineteenth-century architecture, and some of the city's most high-end shopping, including luxury furniture store Missioni. There are also plenty of elegant, if understated, bars and restaurants in this area. In Vake there are two buildings of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi state university. The university is founded by Ivane Javakhishvili in 1918 and is one of the historical buildings in Tbilisi.

Before City Hall stay the Monument of St. George

Inaugurated in summer 2009, an architectural monstrosity above the river, designed by Italian architect Michele De Luki. Guided tours may be booked seven work days in advance.

Also an accommodation.

The main bath district is easy to spot with its small domes on ground level. There are several small baths offering different levels of comfort. The baths are relatively small, and you may have to wait for a pool to become available. English service is not guaranteed. Massages are available; however, they are more like a washing, but well worth it for the experience. You should bring your own towel and beach sandals but also they are available for a small fee, but pricey compared to the 3 lari if you use the public bath. Some travellers have suggested the Royal Baths is a much better alternative to Sulphur Baths (they are next to each other). Sulphur baths tend to double the price at the end of the massage and bath in spite of your original agreed price.

This is the only public bath in this area right at the beginning, follow the neon light. It is definitely worth the experience, so do not miss it. The men's section has a central shower area, a hot pool and a sauna. The women's public section only provides showers and massage, and are probably not worth it. Massage is 10 lari extra. Bring slippers and towel or rent them there for extra cost.

This lake is in the hilly outskirts of Tbilisi. A popular weekend getaway for families, the lake offers pedal-boat rentals as well as swimming (deckchairs optional) for reasonable prices (swimming entry, without deckchair, is about 3 lari). Alright for a hot summer day, and offering views of the mountains and of the city below. Snackbars, restaurants and fruit cocktail shakers are available overlooking the lake. It's about an hour's pleasant walk from the Saburtalo district along country roads, passing the Ethnographical Museum, or a 10-15 minute (5–10 lari) cab ride from the center. There is also a funicular (cable car), going up from the corner of Vale Park at 74 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue (running daily 08:00–20:00). While the lake itself isn't particularly nice, the views from the hike up to the lake makes it a worthwhile excursion.

Much further out than Turtle Lake (a cab will set you back about 10–15 lari each way), Lake Lisi is much larger and more remote, with long, winding mountain walks surrounding the lake. Unlike Turtle Lake, the entire Lake Lisi is opened up for swimmers. Be warned — there aren't always taxis waiting to take you back.

The crumbling ruins of this once-great fortress, standing alongside the Upper Betelmi Churches and the stunning Botanical gardens, offer panoramic views of the city below. It's quite a steep climb, though you could take the cable car instead. Also while the lack of bureaucracy and guard-rails can be liberating for some, you may want to watch your step. Temporarily closed as of May 2024.

National botanic garden of Georgia, founded in 1845. Lying in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge near Narikala Fortress. The garden is big and inconsistently maintained. Some nice parts are the Waterfall and the path along the creek upstream in the Mediterranean collection. Also the Parterre in a Central Park is a hidden gem. A fun zipline for over 150 cm tall and under 110 kg sliders is available for 40 lari.

to have fun with your kids, see the views of Tbilisi or to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. You need to buy an access card at a cashiers desk for 2 lari. Funicular ride is also 10 lari one way and you use the access card for that.

A part of Park April.

Find yourself (and your pilot) hanging in the sky with the clouds staring at the gorgeous sprawling Georgian Caucasus mountains below you.

Beautiful opera house in neo-moorish building. Opera founded in 1851. Tickets (for some shows?) can be bought online at tkt.ge/opera?culture=en .

Held annually in October, with full & half-marathon, 10 km race and kids' runs. The start and finish is at Rustaveli Avenue. The last event was 27 September 2020 as a virtual marathon, the last traditional event was 29 September 2019. In 2022, it will be held on 25 September.